Dartmouth College

What you'll study

This research-driven PhD combines advanced training in the physical sciences with core biological concepts and laboratory skills. Early in the programme you typically complete foundational coursework and laboratory rotations that may include topics such as:

• Advanced quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics for biological systems
• Biophysics and molecular biophysics
• Physical chemistry and soft-matter physics
• Computational modelling, quantitative data analysis and machine learning for biological data
• Advanced molecular and cell biology techniques, genomics and proteomics
• Optical microscopy, imaging technologies and instrumentation
• Laboratory safety, research ethics and professional development seminars

Programme structure is research-centred: students commonly undertake a sequence of laboratory rotations to identify an advisor, pass qualifying or candidacy assessments, and then focus on an original research project leading to a written dissertation and oral defence. Teaching experience and participation in interdisciplinary seminars and journal clubs are typically encouraged or required.

Entry requirements

Admission is competitive and intended for applicants with a strong preparation in relevant disciplines. Typical requirements include:

• An undergraduate degree in physics, chemistry, biology, engineering, mathematics or a closely related subject; many successful applicants also hold a research master’s degree
• Evidence of substantial research experience (undergraduate or postgraduate laboratory projects, published papers or significant independent project work)
• A detailed statement of purpose outlining research interests and fit with potential faculty advisors
• Academic transcripts, a current CV, and three letters of reference from academic or research supervisors
• Proof of English language proficiency for applicants whose first language is not English (where required by the college)

Specific testing or additional requirements vary by department and applicant background; prospective students should consult the Graduate Studies admissions pages and contact potential faculty mentors to discuss suitability and preparation advice.

Career prospects

Graduates from interdisciplinary PhD programmes that bridge biological and physical sciences pursue a wide range of careers. Common pathways include:

• Academic research and teaching in biology, physics, biophysics or related departments
• R&D and leadership roles in biotechnology, pharmaceutical and medical device industries
• Instrumentation, optics and imaging companies developing scientific hardware
• Computational and data-science roles in genomics, systems biology and healthcare analytics
• Science policy, science communication, and translational research management
• Entrepreneurship and technology transfer, particularly for lab-developed innovations

The combination of quantitative physical-science training and hands-on biological research prepares graduates to work at interdisciplinary interfaces valued in both academia and industry.

Why study at Dartmouth College

Dartmouth offers a distinctive environment for an interdisciplinary PhD: the college emphasises close mentorship, small cohort sizes and strong faculty–student interaction. Collaboration across departments is readily facilitated by the Thayer School of Engineering and by shared research facilities and core laboratories that support advanced imaging, molecular biology and computational work.

Students benefit from a collegial campus culture, access to institutional resources for professional development and entrepreneurship, and opportunities to take part in cross-disciplinary seminars and centres that bring together physicists, chemists, engineers and biologists. The programme’s focus on hands-on research and skill development aims to produce scientists who are fluent in both physical approaches and biological application areas.